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Datsyuk’s Backhand Goal Was As Good A Backhand Goal As You Will Ever See (Video)

One of the big themes throughout these NHL playoffs has been the consistent awe-factor displayed by the Detroit Red Wings’ Pavel Datsyuk. Whether he is stripping the puck off the opposing team like a pick-pocket artist going to work on a tourist, or using his magical Reebok wand to dangle the puck in, out and through the skates and stick of those very same opponents, there is no shortage of ways that the Russian forward can make you ask yourself, “Did that really just happen?”

Unfortunately, we will not get to enjoy Datsyuk’s magic for the remainder of the playoffs, as his Red Wings fell one win short of pulling off the improbable comeback from three games down, losing Game 7 in San Jose last night. He did, however, leave us with one last Datsyukian highlight reel goal. It was this backhand shot that brought the Wings to within one goal with six minutes remaining last night, but that was as close as they would come in their 3-2 loss.

In an NHL that thrives off the greatness of two players (Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, of course), Datsyuk’s performance during these playoffs seemed to make it clear that it may be time to make some room for a third at the top of the mountain.